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Effect of nasal packing on eustachian tube function.
1Department of Otolarynology, Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, Derby.
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|July 1, 1991
Summary
Nasal packing after septal surgery can temporarily impair eustachian tube function, causing reduced middle ear pressure. However, this dysfunction typically resolves quickly after pack removal without serious complications.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Surgery to the nasal septum often involves bilateral packing.
- The impact of nasal packing on middle ear pressure and eustachian tube function requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of nasal packing post-septal surgery on eustachian tube function.
- To assess changes in middle ear pressure using tympanometry.
Main Methods:
- Pre- and post-operative tympanometry was performed on 63 patients undergoing septal surgery with bilateral packing.
- 126 ears were tested to measure middle ear pressure changes.
Main Results:
- 46% of tested ears showed a reduction in middle ear pressure (≥50 daPa).
- 76% of affected ears normalized within 24 hours after nasal pack removal.
- No patients experienced symptoms or developed middle ear effusion.
Conclusions:
- Nasal packing following septal surgery frequently causes short-term eustachian tube dysfunction.
- This dysfunction is usually mild and transient, likely due to surgical edema and direct packing effects.
- Serious complications such as middle ear effusion are rare.